By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 26: The State Cabinet on Wednesday approved the appointment of former Chief Secretary RV Suchiang as the State Chief Information Commissioner. It also agreed to establish the Meghalaya Social Welfare Recruitment Board to expedite the recruitment process for approximately 100 vacant posts in the Social Welfare Department.
“Today, the Cabinet approved the proposal to appoint Kong RV Suchiang, a retired IAS officer, as the new State Chief Information Commissioner for a three-year term,” said Cabinet Minister and government spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh.
The post had been vacant since November last year after former Chief Information Commissioner H Nongpluh was appointed as a member of the Meghalaya State Human Rights Commission.
Meghalaya Social Welfare Recruitment Board
Speaking about the formation of the Meghalaya Social Welfare Recruitment Board (MSWRB), Lyngdoh explained that multiple vacancies in key positions — such as Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) and Lady Supervisors — necessitated an accelerated recruitment process.
“To streamline hiring, the Cabinet has approved the establishment of the Meghalaya Social Welfare Recruitment Board,” he said.
The board will be headed by a chairperson of the rank of Commissioner and Secretary in the Social Welfare department, with the Director serving as the Member Secretary.
“The board has been tasked with addressing the shortage of human resources in the department, and we aim to fill these vacancies within the next 12 months,” Lyngdoh added.
State guest house
in Bengaluru
The Cabinet also approved the purchase of a building in Bengaluru to serve as a State Guest House at a cost of Rs 20 crore. This facility will provide accommodation for visitors from Meghalaya, particularly students studying in the city.
“This building, located in Bengaluru, will have two dormitories — one for boys and one for girls — each with a capacity of 50,” Lyngdoh stated. “Bengaluru is one of the most visited cities by people from Meghalaya, and a significant number of our students are pursuing various courses there.”
Why not a Meghalaya House?
When asked why the State government is not setting up a Meghalaya House instead, Lyngdoh explained that the immediate priority is to address the accommodation challenges faced by students
“A Meghalaya House is in the pipeline, but for now, our priority is to cater to students who are struggling to find affordable housing in Bengaluru,” he said. “Setting up a Meghalaya House would require creating additional posts and appointing officers, which would take time. This guest house is a more immediate solution dedicated to visitors and students from the state.”